Nearly two months ago, Toronto was devastated by a horrific attack. On April 23rd, a lone terrorist plowed a rental van through a sidewalk in North York, killing ten people and injuring 16 others. It was declared the worst mass killing in recent Canadian history.
Yesterday, the North York Centre unveiled a massive art installation honouring and commemorating the victims of the deadly van attack. The display, initiated by quilter Berene Campbell and supported by North York Arts and North York Centre, features a series of brightly coloured banners, "stitched with messages of hope, peace and love."
Such a moving opening of the Toronto Love Project at North York Centre. The installation is on until September 8th #torontolove #toarts #northyork #welovewillowdale pic.twitter.com/9EysDZWtL7
The art installation has been named the Toronto Love Project and will be on display in the centre until September 8th. The centre is just steps away from the scene of the van attack, where a sprawling makeshift memorial for the victims still stands.
The mesmerizing colourful banners hang just below the glass skylight, allowing the sun to shine directly into the building. The installation intends to "counter the hate and sadness of the attack."
@misterandmouseThe banners were created by a community of quilters from around the world. The creators of the project said that they received "71 banners, most of them are from Canada (Vancouver to New Brunswick), with some sent from the USA and Australia."
Two men and eight women lost their lives in the tragic attack. The city of Toronto managed to collectively raise over $1 million for the victims' families, with donations from major corporations, professional sports teams, and organizations from all over the country.
@justgetitdonequiltsembedded via
The Toronto Police Service has charged 25-year-old Alek Minassian with 10 counts of first-degree murder and 16 counts of attempted murder. He is scheduled to appear in court on September 14th.
@ahmadiyyacanadaTo read more about the Toronto Love Project, click here.
